Doucmentary to be on display

A documentary of the history of an Oklahoma City church will be on display at a black-tie optional gala at the Oklahoma History Center on Oct. 25.

“Lest We Forget” documents the history of the East Seventh Street Church of Christ set in the historically black Deep Deuce neighborhood of Oklahoma City.

“This 75th anniversary celebration was born out of a realization of the necessity for generational transference; the need for the former generation’s story to not be hidden from subsequent generations,” said Arnelious Crenshaw, Jr., minister of the Northeast Church of Christ.

The gala will take place from 6-9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 25, at the Oklahoma History Center and include a meal, entertainment, and recognition of the 11 ministers who have served the church. The documentary will be unveiled at 8 p.m. in the Chesapeake Room. Elected and appointed officials have been invited to attend, including Gov. Mary Fallin; Lt. Gov. Todd Lamb; U.S. Congressman James Lankford; state Sen. Connie Johnston; state Reps. Anastasia A. Pittman, Mike Shelton and Kevin Matthews; Oklahoma County officials; and community leaders.

Recording artist Justin Echols and WINGS will both provide music for the event.

“This will not only become a tool to help educate future generations about the history that began in Deep Deuce,” said Pittman, D-Oklahoma City. “It will also mark a place for the rich history of African Americans as leaders in the second century, because the first centennial has already been celebrated.”

Pittman takes pride in honoring community leaders, in particular members of the body of Christ. She is an active member of the Northeast Church of Christ.

“Culturally, we are an oral people, but those who have worked on this documentary are true visionaries, who will teach other congregations the significance of preserving their heritage,” Pittman said.

New Year’s Eve 2013 launched a year-long commemoration of the Church of Christ congregations in Oklahoma. Today, Central Urban Development, Inc., has sparked a renaissance in Oklahoma City with its housing development, The Fair Grounds.

“Historically, most African American communities depended on the church for guidance in almost every aspect of life. We have lost our way in society when addressing social needs,” Pittman said. “This is an opportunity for communities to renew strength by learning from the past and accepting the concept of overcoming the challenges that face Christian communities today.”